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A musician plays an electric bass guitar during the French Quarter Music Festival in Louisiana.
Louisiana

French Quarter Music Festival

Program No. 10918RJ
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Program
At a Glance
Duration
6 days
Program Begins
New Orleans, LA
Program Concludes
New Orleans, LA
Meals
10 ( 4B, 1BR, 1L, 4D )
Activity Level
From
2,699
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You can’t get more New Orleans than this showcase for hundreds of local musicians on 14 stages throughout the historic Vieux Carré. There’s jazz, from Dixieland to contemporary, brass bands, classical, Cajun and Zydeco, rhythm and blues, gospel and everything in between. During private morning sessions, local musicians reveal the history and meaning behind their music as they perform just for you. Sample classic New Orleans cuisine from nearly 60 food and drink booths, visit private patios, enjoy fireworks over the Mississippi River, join in a “second line” parade and attend art exhibits and music workshops.
Best of all, you'll...
  • Revel in three days of authentic New Orleans music at the French Quarter Festival.
  • Sample the Crescent City’s famous cuisine at renowned restaurants like Bourbon House, Muriel’s, Palace Café and the Court of Two Sisters.
  • Experience special performances by top New Orleans musicians.
See Related Programs
Music Festivals
General Notes
This is a Road Scholar Large Group program. The number of participants in this program may be as high as 90; the whole group will be together for most lectures and meals. For some activities and field trips participants will be separated into groups of no more than 45 participants. The schedule for your group may vary from the published itinerary, but each group will have an opportunity to experience all program elements. If you are traveling with companions who are not your roommate and you would like to be grouped together, please list their names on your “Personal Information & Preferences” in your Road Scholar “My Account” page.
All Experts
Please Note:
These experts may not be available for every date of the program
Robin Rocque's favorite city to share with guests is her hometown of New Orleans. Its diversely unique culture and musical background provides a lovely backdrop during its introduction. Robin has happily led groups in many cities and several countries. Robin has been a licensed New Orleans tour guide since 2004, and a certified international tour manager since 2011. She is an alumna of Vassar College, and recently served as a board member of a nonprofit organization that provides community support in and around New Orleans.
Nolan Hines is a native Ohioan, born on a farm just south of Columbus. He attended Ohio State University intending to become a veterinarian, then became involved in singing and theatre activities. He spent eight years on the ships of Holland America Line as an entertainer, excursion assistant, and cruise director, then four years aboard The American Queen steamboat. Nolan now lives in Florida and since 2017 has enjoyed discovering the treasures of new places and helping participants to enjoy cultural highlights with Road programs.
Milton Carr was born in Tremé, a cultural center of New Orleans. After studying in San Diego, Milton returned home to New Orleans where he worked for Domino Sugars. During his 33 years at Domino, he became interested in sugar cane’s connections to slavery and the economic history of the city. Milton has been a licensed New Orleans guide since 2001, and is a one-of-a-kind expert on the city's unique music, history, culture and heritage.
Doreen Ketchens is a musician whose primary interest lies in spreading the culture and traditional music of New Orleans all over the world through performances and education. As the leader of the jazz band Doreen’s Jazz New Orleans, she has been called "Queen Clarinet," "The Female Louis Armstrong," and “Lady Louie” by critics who have heard her perform. Doreen's Jazz New Orleans has represented New Orleans around the world, performing in Africa, Asia, Canada, Europe, South America, Russia and the U.S.
Johnny Layton has been leading programs for Road Scholar since 2017. From the Florida Keys to Alaska, Johnny has led programs in 11 states and four countries. When he is not ensuring Road Scholar participants are having an amazing experience, you can find him in the sky crisscrossing the USA as a flight attendant, or as a guide on the Historic Trolley Tour at home in Asheville, North Carolina.
Ed Wise is a professional bassist with over 50 years of experience. He has toured with Al Hirt, Delbert McClinton, and the Smothers Brothers. Ed has performed with world-famous musicians and entertainers including Bob Hope, Phyllis Diller, Vic Damone, Diahann Carroll, Don Rickles, and many more. He has worked as a staff musician for the Delta Queen Steamboat Company. In 2005, Ed Wise received New Orleans Magazine’s Jazz All-Star award. Ed is on the faculty at Loyola University, where he teaches bass and music theory.
DeAnna DuPont is a licensed tour guide in New Orleans and New York City and the founder of DuPont and Company Tours. With a family lineage in New Orleans dating back to 1721, her work is deeply rooted in the city’s history, architecture, environmental challenges, and green infrastructure. DeAnna also serves as a tourism director, national content writer for Hearst Publications, and general manager of Witches Brew Tours. A former stage performer, DeAnna previously owned and operated performing arts studios and produced national musical acts.
Activity Level
On Your Feet
Learn About Activity Levels
Attending activities and meals will require up to 8 blocks of walking in each direction at a rate of 2 mph. Program will require a minimum of approximately 2 miles of walking over 6 days. Some restaurants do not have elevators and will require one to walk up two flights of stairs with railings. The music festival stages are located in all directions, within a 12 block radius from the hotel. The actual required distance to walk to the stages largely depends on one's musical preference and who they want to listen to during their free time. Road Scholar will provide foldable camping style chairs to allow participants to sit down during the performances. Participants are responsible for carrying their own chairs if they want to bring them. Due to crowding and sidewalk conditions, mobility devices such as scooters, wheelchairs, and walkers cannot be accommodated on this program. Must be capable of participating in all planned program activities.
Suggested Books and Resources
View Full List
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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Call 800-454-5768
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Peace of Mind

We want your Road Scholar learning adventure to be something to look forward to—not worry about. That’s why we go to the ends of the earth to give you peace of mind, from the moment you enroll until the day you return home.

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Assurance Plan

Road Scholar is committed to the well-being of every participant, whether on a program in the United States or abroad. That’s why all participants are covered under our Road Scholar Assurance Plan, which provides 24-hour assistance in the event of an emergency during your program, as well as insurance for emergency medical evacuation.

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Want to Protect Your Investment?

Road Scholar is pleased to offer its Trip Protection Plan as a way to protect your program investment. You may purchase this optional trip protection plan when enrolling in your program.

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Sustainable Travel

We offset a portion of the emissions created by your travel. Read about our commitment to a more sustainable planet.

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